CBC · California Building Code

Elevator accessibility, identification and destination-oriented elevator rules

If your building has passenger elevators, the California Building Code requires they meet specific accessibility rules: sliding power doors with obstruction sensors, minimum door‑hold and call‑response timing, accessible car controls and tactile markings, visible and verbal car identification, and special requirements for destination‑oriented systems. Existing elevators that are altered and accessible elevators in remodeled buildings must be upgraded or clearly identified per CBC §§ 11B‑407, 11B‑206.6 and 11B‑216.7.

Ask a question free See coverage

Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

What the code requires — plain English (controlling §)

Elevators that provide passenger service in buildings required to have accessible routes must meet the CBC accessibility design and operation requirements in § 11B‑407; existing elevators that are altered must be upgraded consistent with § 11B‑206.6; and in existing buildings where non‑compliant elevators remain, accessible elevators must be clearly identified (§ 11B‑216.7). Destination‑oriented elevator systems have additional, specific landing, console and identification requirements in the destination‑oriented elevator chapter (§ 11B‑411).

Requirements in detail

Which elevators must comply

  • New passenger elevators required to provide vertical access must comply with § 11B‑407; where multiple elevators are provided, each elevator must comply. Alterations to existing elevators require the altered element to be brought into compliance with § 11B‑407 for that element; when altering one elevator in a group that responds to the same hall call, the same element must be altered in the entire group (§ 11B‑206.6 and § 11B‑206.6.1).

  • Platform lifts are addressed separately (permitted in limited cases) and are covered in § 11B‑410; they are an alternate where the code allows.

Doors and door timing (safety and usability)

  • Door type and operation: elevator doors must be horizontal sliding power doors (car gates are prohibited) and must open/close automatically (§ 11B‑407.3.1–.3.2).

  • Reopening device (edge/obstruction sensor): doors must have a device that stops and reopens the door when an obstruction is sensed. The sensor must detect obstructions at nominal heights of 5 inches and 29 inches above the finish floor, not require physical contact (contact is permitted), and must remain effective for at least 20 seconds (§ 11B‑407.3.3, .3.3.1–.3.3.3).

  • Door timing: the minimum acceptable time from notification that a car is answering a call until doors start to close is calculated T = D / (1.5 ft/s) (D = distance from a point 60 in in front of the farthest call button to centerline of hoistway door), but never less than 5 seconds. Separately, elevator doors must remain fully open in response to a car call for at least 5 seconds (§ 11B‑407.3.4–.3.5).

  • Door clear width: the width requirement is given in Table 11B‑407.4.1; Table values are referenced by § 11B‑407.3.6. (If you need the specific numeric entries from that table, consult the table directly in the code — the uploaded excerpts reference the table but do not reproduce the numeric rows.)

Car interiors, controls and indicators

  • Car control buttons and keypads: buttons must meet dimensional and tactile requirements: keypad buttons and accessibility/command buttons have minimum shoulder size, raised height, spacing and tactile marks (numeric keypad layout, “5” key raised dot, accessibility function button marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility and three raised dots). See § 11B‑407.4.7 and the destination‑oriented specifics in § 11B‑411 for hall consoles.

  • Button spacing and visible indicators: minimum separation between rows of control buttons is at least 3/8 inch (or other suitable separation). Buttons with floor designations must have visible indicators that extinguish when the car arrives at the designated floor (§ 11B‑407.4.7.1.5 and § 11B‑407.4.7.1.4).

  • Car position (floor) indicators: visible characters must be at least 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) high and be located above the car control panel or above the door; audible indicators must be automatic verbal annunciators that announce the floor the car is about to stop at and must meet frequency and level requirements (§ 11B‑407.4.8.1.1–.4 and § 11B‑407.4.8.2).

  • Emergency communications and support rails: elevator cars must provide emergency communication and a support rail on at least one wall (§ 11B‑407.4.9–.4.10).

Destination‑oriented elevator (DOE) specific requirements

Destination‑oriented systems have additional/parallel requirements in § 11B‑411. Key highlights:

  • General: Destination‑oriented elevators must comply with § 11B‑411 and ASME A17.1 and be automatic passenger elevators (§ 11B‑411.1).

  • Floor and car designations: floors in DOE systems must use numeric characters only (main entry is “1” or “0”; lower levels use negative integer designations); elevator cars are designated with a single alphabetic character (exceptional allowances for >26 cars) (§ 11B‑411.1.1–.1.2).

  • Hall call consoles and accessibility function: consoles must be wall‑mounted at landings, include a touch screen or 12‑key keypad, an accessibility function button (identified by the ISA symbol plus raised indication), and audio output. The console audio and display must provide operating instructions, assignment confirmation, assigned car character(s) and direction to the assigned car. Audio must be recorded/digitized human speech and meet volume/frequency requirements (minimum 10 dB above ambient but not to exceed 80 dB measured 36 inches in front) (§ 11B‑411.2.1 and subparts).

  • Elevator car identification at landings: above or adjacent to each elevator entrance there must be a visible identification fixture showing the car designation character; the fixture bottom must be at least 80 inches above the finish floor and characters shall be at least 4 inches high (existing‑building exception permits 72 inches and 2½‑inch characters) (§ 11B‑411.2.2.1 and exception). Verbal identification at arrival (when accessibility function pressed) is also required with specified audio characteristics (§ 11B‑411.2.2.2).

  • Signs on jambs and door jamb displays: destination systems require floor and car designation signs on jambs (raised characters and Braille) and floor destination indicators on car door jambs with 1‑inch characters minimum and contrast requirements; display duration requirements are specified (§ 11B‑411.2.3, § 11B‑411.4.11).

Quick reference table — decision‑relevant dimensions/values

Requirement Value / dimension Code Reference
Reopening device sensing heights Nominal 5 in and 29 in above finish floor § 11B‑407.3.3.1
Reopening device duration 20 seconds minimum § 11B‑407.3.3.3
Door delay (car call) Doors remain fully open 5 seconds minimum § 11B‑407.3.5
Door call‑response timing (T) T = D / (1.5 ft/s); T ≥ 5 s minimum § 11B‑407.3.4
Button size (minimum shoulder) 3/4 inch (19.1 mm) min § 11B‑411.2.1.5.1 / § 11B‑407.4.7.1.1
Button row separation 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) min between rows § 11B‑407.4.7.1.5
“5” key tactile dot (keypad) 0.118–0.120 in base diameter § 11B‑411.2.1.2.1 / Table refs
Accessibility function symbol size ISA symbol min 5/8 in (15.9 mm) § 11B‑411.2.1.2.3
Hall console audio level ≥10 dB above ambient; ≤80 dB at 36 in § 11B‑411.2.1.2.5
Verbal annunciator frequency (elev. entrance) 300–3000 Hz; level rules apply § 11B‑411.2.2.2
Car identification fixture height (landing) Bottom of fixture ≥ 80 in above finish floor (existing exception 72 in) § 11B‑411.2.2.1
Car identification character height 4 in min (existing exception 2½ in) § 11B‑411.2.2.1
Floor destination display characters (door jamb) 1 in (25 mm) min § 11B‑411.4.11.1

(Note: Table 11B‑407.4.1 sets required clear door widths by car size; that table is referenced in § 11B‑407.3.6 but the numeric table rows were not reproduced in the retrieved excerpts.)

Exceptions & special cases

  • Existing manually operated hoistway swing doors are permitted where they comply with the referenced door requirements in § 11B‑404 (exception to § 11B‑407.3.2). Also existing elevators with manually operated doors need not comply with the reopening‑device requirement (§ 11B‑407.3 exception).

  • Platform lifts may be used where the code allows (see exceptions referenced in § 11B‑206.6 and § 11B‑410), and destination‑oriented elevators are explicitly permitted as an alternative where allowed (§ 11B‑206.6, § 11B‑411).

  • Destination‑oriented floor designation exceptions: existing facilities converting to destination‑oriented systems may use alpha‑numeric designations for mezzanines provided there is no duplication; non‑successive floor numbering is permitted in limited service areas (§ 11B‑411.1.1 exceptions). Car designation may be alpha‑numeric in systems with more than 26 cars (§ 11B‑411.1.2 exception).

  • Existing buildings that retrofit a compliant accessible elevator must post directions and identify accessible elevators in the lobby per § 11B‑216.7.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming only one elevator in a bank needs to be upgraded when elements are altered — in many cases the same element must be altered in all elevators responding to the same hall call control (§ 11B‑206.6.1).

  • Forgetting the door timing calculation: designers sometimes set a fixed 5‑second door hold without checking T = D/(1.5 ft/s) when the lobby geometry requires a longer hold (§ 11B‑407.3.4).

  • Hall consoles for destination systems missing required audible guidance, accessibility function button tactile marking, or elevator assignment displays with minimum character sizes and durations (§ 11B‑411.2.1 and subparts).

  • Not posting or marking accessible elevators in remodeled existing buildings (must be identified by ISA signage and have directions posted in the lobby) (§ 11B‑216.7).

  • Misplacing car designation fixtures below the minimum mounting height (80 in) or using undersized characters (4 in) where the existing‑building exception does not apply (§ 11B‑411.2.2.1).

Worked example

Scenario: A new lobby has a bank of three passenger elevators. The farthest hall call button controlling elevator bank A is 18 feet from the centerline of elevator A’s hoistway door as measured from the point 60 inches in front of that button.

  1. Compute the minimum time before doors may start to close:

    • D = 18 ft → T = D / 1.5 ft/s = 12.0 s. The code requires T calculated by that formula and at least 5 s; here T = 12 s controls. Therefore you must program elevator A so that the time from answering the call until door‑close initiation is at least 12 seconds (§ 11B‑407.3.4).

  2. Door reopeners: sensor zones must detect obstructions at nominal 5 in and 29 in heights; the reopening device must remain effective for at least 20 seconds (§ 11B‑407.3.3.1–.3.3.3). For this lobby provide sensors covering those heights and verify a 20 s detection window.

  3. Hall call console accessibility: provide a wall‑mounted console adjacent to each hoistway entrance with a clearly marked accessibility function button (ISA symbol ≥5/8 in), audio output set to at least 10 dB above ambient but not exceeding 80 dB measured 36 in in front, and a visual display that shows assigned car character (≥1 in high) for at least 5 s (§ 11B‑411.2.1.2 and § 11B‑411.2.1.2.4–.5).

  4. Car identification at the landing: mount a visible car designation fixture directly above each car entrance with the bottom of the fixture at 80 in above the finish floor and characters at least 4 in high (§ 11B‑411.2.2.1). If this were an existing building using the exception, you could use 72 in mounting and 2½‑inch characters, but for new construction you must use the 80 in / 4 in sizes.

Related provisions

  • § 11B‑407 — Elevator requirements (doors, car controls, indicators).
  • § 11B‑411 — Destination‑oriented elevators (hall consoles, assignments, landing identification).
  • § 11B‑216.7 — Identification of accessible elevators in existing buildings.
  • § 11B‑206.6 — Elevators required to comply with § 11B‑407 and rules for altered existing elevators.
  • § 11B‑410 — Platform lifts (where permitted as alternate accessible vertical access).
  • § 11B‑703 (series) — Signs, raised characters and Braille referenced for identification signs and jamb signs.

Code references

Grounded in the retrieved California Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

  • CBC § 806.2 High relevance — show source text

    Exception: Shower and sauna doors in guest rooms that are not required to provide mobility features complying with Section 11B- 806.2 shall not be required to comply with Section 11B- 404.2.3.

    11B- 206.5.4 Residential dwelling units. In residential dwelling units required to provide mobility features complying with Sections 11B- 809.2 through 11B- 809.4, all doors and doorways providing user passage shall comply with Section 11B- 404 .

    11B- 206.6 Elevators. Elevators provided for passengers shall comply with Section 11B- 407. Where multiple elevators are provided, each elevator shall comply with Section 11B- 407 .

    Exceptions:

    1. In a building or facility permitted to use the exceptions to Section 11B- 206.2.3 or permitted by Section 11B- 206.7 to use a platform lift, elevators complying with Section 11B- 408 shall be permitted.

    2. Elevators complying with Section 11B- 408 or 11B- 409 shall be permitted in multistory residential dwelling units. Elevators provided as a means of access within a private residence shall be installed so that they are not accessible to the general public or to other occupants of the building.

    3. Destination-oriented elevators complying with Section 11B-411 shall be permitted.

    11B- 206.6.1 Existing elevators. Where elements of existing elevators are altered, the same element shall also be altered in all elevators that are programmed to respond to the same hall call control as the altered elevator and shall comply with the requirements of Section 11B- 407 for the altered element.

    Exception: Where a group of existing elevators are altered into a destination-oriented elevator system, or where elements of exist- ing destination-oriented elevators are altered, the same elements shall also be altered in all elevators that are programmed to

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 11B-15

    on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

    ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HOUSING

    respond to the same call console or group of call consoles and shall comply with the requirements of Section 11B-411 for the altered elements.

    11B- 206.7 Platform lifts. Platform lifts shall comply with Section 11B- 410. Platform lifts shall be permitted as a component of an accessible route in new construction in accordance with Section 11B- 206.7. Platform lifts shall be permitted as a component of an accessible route in an existing building or facility. 11B- 206.7.1 Performance areas and speakers’ platforms. Platform lifts shall be permitted to provide accessible routes to performance areas and speakers’ platforms.

    11B- 206.7.2 Wheelchair spaces. Platform lifts shall be permitted to provide an accessible route to comply with the wheelchair space dispersion and line-of-sight requirements of Sections 11B- 221 and 11B- 802 . 11B- 206.7.3 Incidental spaces. Platform lifts shall be permitted to provide an accessible route to incidental spaces which are not public use spaces and which are occupied by five persons maximum.

  • CBC § 11B-411.2.2.2 High relevance — show source text

    11B-411.2.2.2 Verbal identification. When the accessibility function button is pressed, verbal announcement of the car desig- nation shall be provided at the elevator car entrance upon arrival. Audio output shall be recorded or digitized human speech, and shall be delivered through a loudspeaker. The verbal annunciator shall have a frequency of 300 Hz minimum and 3000 Hz maximum. Auditory volume shall be at least 10 dB above ambient sound level, but shall not exceed 80 dB, measured 36 inches (914 mm) in front of the elevator entrance and at 48 inches (1219 mm) above the floor. At elevator entrances where the ambient sound level varies, auditory volume shall be maintained at the required volume by an automatic gain control or shall be set at not less than 75 dB.

    11B-411.2.3 Signs on jambs of elevator hoistway entrances. Signs on jambs of elevator hoistway entrances shall comply with Section 11B-411.2.3.

    11B-411.2.3.1 Floor designation signs. Floor designation signs complying with Sections 11B-703.2 and 11B-703.4.1 shall be provided on both jambs of elevator hoistway entrances. Signs shall be provided in both raised characters and Braille. Raised characters shall be 2 inches (51 mm) high. A raised star placed to the left of the floor designation, shall be provided on both jambs at the main entry level. The outside diameter of the star shall be 2 inches (51 mm) and all points shall be of equal length. Raised characters, including the star, shall be white on a black background. Braille complying with Section 11B-703.3 shall be placed below the corresponding raised characters and the star. The Braille translation for the star shall be “MAIN”. Applied plates are acceptable if they are permanently fixed to the jamb.

    11B-411.2.3.2 Car designation signs. Car designation signs complying with Sections 11B-703.2 and 11B-703.4.1 shall be provided on both jambs of the hoistway immediately below the floor designation. Signs shall be provided in both raised charac- ters and Braille. Raised characters shall be 2 inches (51 mm) high. Raised characters shall be white on a black background. Braille complying with Section 11B-703.3 shall be placed below the corresponding raised characters. Applied plates are accept- able if they are permanently fixed to the jamb.

    FIGURE 11B -411.2.3—FLOOR DESIGNATION AND CAR DESIGNATION SIGNS ON JAMBS OF

    DESTINATION-ORIENTED ELEVATOR HOISTWAY ENTRANCES

    11B-411.3 Elevator door requirements. Hoistway and car doors shall comply with Section 11B-411.3.

    11B-411.3.1 Type. Elevator door type shall comply with Section 11B-407.3.1.

    11B-411.3.2 Operation. Elevator hoistway and car doors shall open and close automatically.

  • CBC § 206.4.9 High relevance — show source text

    11B- 206.4.9 Entrances for inmates or detainees. Where entrances used only by inmates or detainees and security personnel are provided at judicial facilities, detention facilities or correctional facilities, at least one such entrance shall comply with Section 11B- 404 .

    11B-206.4.10 Medical care and long-term care facilities. Weather protection by a canopy or roof overhang shall be provided at a minimum of one accessible entrance to licensed medical care and licensed long-term care facilities where the period of stay may exceed twenty-four hours. The area of weather protection shall include the passenger drop-off and loading zone complying with Section 11B-209.3 and the accessible route from the passenger loading zone to the accessible entrance it serves.

    11B- 206.5 Doors, doorways and gates. Doors, doorways and gates providing user passage shall be provided in accordance with Section 11B -206.5.

    11B- 206.5.1 Entrances. Each entrance to a building or facility required to comply with Section 11B- 206.4 shall comply with Section 11B- 404 .

    11B- 206.5.2 Rooms and spaces. Within a building or facility, every door, doorway or gate serving rooms and spaces complying with this chapter shall comply with Section 11B- 404 .

    11B- 206.5.3 Transient lodging facilities. In transient lodging facilities, entrances, doors and doorways providing user passage into and within guest rooms that are not required to provide mobility features complying with Section 11B- 806.2 shall comply with Section 11B- 404.2.3.

    Exception: Shower and sauna doors in guest rooms that are not required to provide mobility features complying with Section 11B- 806.2 shall not be required to comply with Section 11B- 404.2.3.

    11B- 206.5.4 Residential dwelling units. In residential dwelling units required to provide mobility features complying with Sections 11B- 809.2 through 11B- 809.4, all doors and doorways providing user passage shall comply with Section 11B- 404 .

    11B- 206.6 Elevators. Elevators provided for passengers shall comply with Section 11B- 407. Where multiple elevators are provided, each elevator shall comply with Section 11B- 407 .

    Exceptions:

    1. In a building or facility permitted to use the exceptions to Section 11B- 206.2.3 or permitted by Section 11B- 206.7 to use a platform lift, elevators complying with Section 11B- 408 shall be permitted.

    2. Elevators complying with Section 11B- 408 or 11B- 409 shall be permitted in multistory residential dwelling units. Elevators provided as a means of access within a private residence shall be installed so that they are not accessible to the general public or to other occupants of the building.

    3. Destination-oriented elevators complying with Section 11B-411 shall be permitted.

  • CBC § 11B-411.2.1.1 High relevance — show source text

    Exception: Hall call consoles beyond those required by Section 11B-411.2.1.1 shall be permitted to be provided outside the elevator landing and to be wall-mounted, pedestal-mounted or mounted on a kiosk or security turnstile.

    11B-68 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

    on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

    ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HOUSING

    11B-411.2.1.2 Required features. Hall call consoles shall include a touch screen or keypad with display screen, an accessibility function button and audio output loudspeaker.

    11B-411.2.1.2.1 Keypads. Keypads shall be in a 12-key ascending telephone keypad layout. Characters and symbols shall be centered on the corresponding button. The number five key shall have a single raised dot. The dot shall have a base diameter of 0.118 inch (3 mm) minimum and 0.120 inch (3.05 mm) maximum and a height of 0.025 inch (0.6 mm) minimum and 0.037 inch (0.9 mm) maximum. Keypads shall have a star ( � ) on the lower left button and a minus sign (-) on the lower right button. From any level above and below the main egress level, when the star button is pressed an elevator shall be dispatched to the main egress level.

    11B-411.2.1.2.2 Touch screen. Touch screen display shall comply with Section 11B-411.2.1.2.4.

    11B-411.2.1.2.3 Accessibility function button. The accessibility function button shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility and a raised indication. The International Symbol of Accessibility shall comply with Section 11B- 703.7.2.1, and shall be [ 5] / 8 inch (15.9 mm) minimum in height. The indication shall be three raised dots. Each dot shall have a base diameter of 0.059 inch (1.5 mm) minimum and 0.063 inch (1.6 mm) maximum and a height of 0.025 inch (0.6 mm) mini- mum and 0.037 inch (0.9 mm) maximum. The dots shall be spaced [1] / 4 inch (6.4 mm), measured center to center, in the form of an equilateral triangle with a vertex pointing up. The accessibility function button shall not be provided with a key repeat function.

    FIGURE 11B-411.2.1.2.3—DESTINATION-ORIENTED ELEVATOR ACCESSIBILITY FUNCTION BUTTON INDICATION

    11B-411.2.1.2.4 Display screen. Upon activation of the accessibility function button, the display screen shall display infor- mation including but not limited to, operating instructions, user input confirmation, elevator assignment characters, direction to the assigned elevator and error messages. The display screen shall comply with Section 11B-411.2.1.2.4.

  • CBC § 11B-703.3 High relevance — show source text

    The outside diameter of the star shall be 2 inches (51 mm) and all points shall be of equal length. Raised_ characters, including the star, shall be white on a black background. Braille complying with Section 11B-703.3 shall be placed below the corresponding raised characters and the star. The Braille translation for the star shall be “MAIN”. Applied plates are acceptable if they are permanently fixed to the jamb.

    11B-411.2.3.2 Car designation signs. Car designation signs complying with Sections 11B-703.2 and 11B-703.4.1 shall be provided on both jambs of the hoistway immediately below the floor designation. Signs shall be provided in both raised charac- ters and Braille. Raised characters shall be 2 inches (51 mm) high. Raised characters shall be white on a black background. Braille complying with Section 11B-703.3 shall be placed below the corresponding raised characters. Applied plates are accept- able if they are permanently fixed to the jamb.

    FIGURE 11B -411.2.3—FLOOR DESIGNATION AND CAR DESIGNATION SIGNS ON JAMBS OF

    DESTINATION-ORIENTED ELEVATOR HOISTWAY ENTRANCES

    11B-411.3 Elevator door requirements. Hoistway and car doors shall comply with Section 11B-411.3.

    11B-411.3.1 Type. Elevator door type shall comply with Section 11B-407.3.1.

    11B-411.3.2 Operation. Elevator hoistway and car doors shall open and close automatically.

    11B-411.3.3 Reopening device. Elevator doors shall be provided with a reopening device complying with Section 11B-411.3.3 that shall stop and reopen a car door and hoistway door automatically if the door becomes obstructed by an object or person.

    11B-411.3.3.1 Height. The height of the reopening device shall comply with Section 11B-407.3.3.1.

    11B-411.3.3.2 Contact. The device contact shall comply with Section 11B-407.3.3.2.

    11B-411.3.3.3 Duration. The door reopening device duration shall comply with Section 11B-407.3.3.3.

    11B-411.3.4 Door delay. Door delay shall comply with Section 11B-407.3.5.

    11B-411.3.5 Width. The width of elevator doors shall comply with Table 11B-407.4.1.

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 11B-71

    on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

    ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HOUSING

    11B-411.4 Elevator car requirements. Elevator cars shall comply with Section 11B-411.4.

    11B-411.4.1 Car dimensions. Inside dimensions of elevator cars and clear width of elevator doors shall comply with Section 11B- 407.4.1.

  • CBC § 1208.4 High relevance — show source text

    11 Efficiency Dwelling Unit 1208.4 Egress (see Means of Egress) Chapter 10 Egress Court (see Yards or Courts) Electric Vehicle Charging 420.14 Electric Vehicle Charging Station 406.2.7, 11B-228 Electrical 105.2, 112, Table 509.1, Chapter 27, Appendix K Elevator Chapter 30 Accessibility 1009.2.1, 1009.4, 1009.8, Chapters 11A and 11B, 3001.4 Car size 403.6.1, 3001.4, 3002.4 Construction 713.14, 1607.12.1, 1609.7 Conveying systems 3004 Emergency communication 3001.2 Emergency operations 3002.3, 3002.5, 3003, 3007.1, 3008.1.4 Fire service access 403.6.1, 3007 Glass 2409, 3002.8 High-rise 403.2.2, 403.4.8, 403.6 Hoistway door protection 3006 Hoistway enclosures 403.2.2, 713, 1023.4, 1024.3, 3002, 3007.5, 3008.5 Hoistway lighting 3007.5.2 Hoistway pressurization 909.21 Keys 3003.3 Lobby 1009.4, 1009.8, 3006, 3007.6, 3008.6

    Machine rooms Table 1607.1, 3005 Means of egress 403.6, 1003.7, 1009.2.1, 1009.4, 3008

    Number of elevator cars in hoistway 3002.2

    Occupant evacuation elevators 403.6.2, 3008 Personnel and material hoists 3004.4

    Private residence elevator 3009

    Roof access 1011.12.2

    Shaft enclosure 712, 3006 Signs 914, 1009.10, 3002.3, 3007.6.5, 3008.6.5 Stairway to elevator equipment 1011.12.1

    Standards 3001.3 Standby power 2702.2, 3007.8, 3008.8 System monitoring 3007.7, 3008.7 Underground 405.4.3 Emergency Communications Accessible means of egress 1009.8 Alarms (see Fire Alarm and Smoke Detection Systems) Elevator 3001.2 Elevators, occupant evacuation 3008.6.6

  • CBC § 11B-206.2.3.2 High relevance — show source text

    11B-206.2.3.2 Distance to elevators. In new construction of buildings where elevators are required by Section 11B-206.2.3, and which exceed 10,000 square feet (929 m [2] ) on any floor, an accessible means of vertical access via ramp, elevator or lift shall be provided within 200 feet (60,960 mm) of travel of each stair and each escalator. In existing buildings that exceed 10,000 square feet (929 m [2] ) on any floor and in which elevators are required by Section 11B-206.2.3, whenever a newly constructed means of vertical access is provided via stairs or an escalator, an accessible means of vertical access via ramp, elevator or lift shall be provided within 200 feet (60,960 mm) of travel of each new stair or escalator.

    Exception: Stairs used solely for emergency egress.

    11B- 206.2.4 Spaces and elements. At least one accessible route shall connect accessible building or facility entrances with all accessible spaces and elements within the building or facility, including mezzanines, which are otherwise connected by a circulation path unless exempted by Section 11B- 206.2.3 Exceptions 1 through 7.

    Exceptions:

    1. Reserved.

    2. In assembly areas with fixed seating required to comply with Section 11B- 221, an accessible route shall not be required to serve fixed seating where wheelchair spaces required to be on an accessible route are not provided.

    3. Reserved.

    11B- 206.2.5 Restaurants, cafeterias, banquet facilities and bars. In restaurants, cafeterias, banquet facilities, bars and similar facilities, an accessible route shall be provided to all functional areas, including raised or sunken areas, and outdoor areas.

    Exceptions:

    1. In alterations of buildings or facilities not required to provide an accessible route between stories, an accessible route shall not be required to a mezzanine dining area where the mezzanine contains less than 25 percent of the total combined area for seating and dining and where the same decor and services are provided in the accessible area.

    2. Reserved.

    3. In sports facilities, tiered dining areas providing seating required to comply with Section 11B- 221 shall be required to have accessible routes serving at least 25 percent of the dining area provided that accessible routes serve seating complying with Section 11B- 221 and each tier is provided with the same services.

    11B- 206.2.6 Performance areas. Where a circulation path directly connects a performance area to an assembly seating area, an accessible route shall directly connect the assembly seating area with the performance area. An accessible route shall be provided from performance areas to ancillary areas or facilities used by performers unless exempted by Section 11B- 206.2.3 Exceptions 1 through 7.

    11B- 206.2.7 Press boxes. Press boxes in assembly areas shall be on an accessible route.

    Exceptions:

    1. An accessible route shall not be required to press boxes in bleachers that have points of entry at only one level provided that the aggregate area of all press boxes is 500 square feet (46 m [2] ) maximum.
  • CBC § 0.249 High relevance — show source text

    24
    |0.249
    |0.048
    |–
    | |4.94|0.326|0.063|–| |5.65|0.413|0.080|–| |6.36|0.507|0.098|–| |7.06|0.611|0.118|0.030| |7.77|0.723|0.139|0.035| |8.47|0.843|0.162|0.041| |9.18|0.969|0.187|0.047| |9.89|1.108|0.212|0.053| |10.59|1.252|0.240|0.060| |12.36|1.647|0.315|0.079| |14.12
    |2.090
    |0.398
    |0.100
    | |15.89
    |2.580
    |0.490
    |0.123
    | |17.66|3.116|0.591|0.148| |19.42|–|0.701|0.176| |21.19|–|0.818|0.205| |22.95|–|0.944|0.236| |24.72|–|1.078|0.268| |28.25|–|1.369|0.341| |31.78|–|1.690|0.421| |35.31|–|2.043|0.509| |38.84|–|2.425|0.603| |42.37|–|2.838|0.705| |45.90
    |–
    |3.280
    |0.814
    | |49.43|–|3.751|0.929| |52.97|–|4.249|1.052| |56.50|–|–|1.181| |60.03|–|–|1.318| |63.56|–|–|1.461| |67.09|–|–|1.611| |70.62|–|–|1.768| |81.21|–|–|2.276| |88.28|–|–|2.647| |95.34|–|–|3.044|

    FLOW RATE
    (SCFM)1    		 PRESSURE DROP (psi) PER 100 FEET2 Col3 Col4
    FLOW RATE
    (SCFM)1    		 1⁄2 INCH PIPE 3⁄4 INCH PIPE 1 INCH PIPE
    5.30 0.126 0.024 –
    10.59 0.430 0.082 –
    15.89 0.886 0.168 –
    21.19 1.485 0.281 –
    26.48 2.220 0.419 –
    31.78 3.089 0.581 –
    37.08 4.087 0.766 –
    42.37 – 0.975 –
    47.67 – 1.206 –
    52.97 – 1.460 0.361
    58.26 – 1.736 0.429
    63.56 – 2.033 0.502
    68.85 – 2.
  • CBC § 11B-11 High relevance — show source text

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 11B-11

    on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

    ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HOUSING

    FIGURE 11B-205.1 Ex. 9—ELECTRICAL RECEPTACLES AT CORNER WORKSURFACES

    SECTION 11B- 206—ACCESSIBLE ROUTES

    11B- 206.1 General. Accessible routes shall be provided in accordance with Section 11B- 206 and shall comply with Division 4 .

    11B- 206.2 Where required. Accessible routes shall be provided where required by Section 11B- 206.2.

    11B- 206.2.1 Site arrival points. At least one accessible route shall be provided within the site from accessible parking spaces and accessible passenger drop-off and loading zones; public streets and sidewalks; and public transportation stops to the accessible building or facility entrance they serve. Where more than one route is provided, all routes must be accessible.

    Exceptions:

    1. Reserved.

    2. An accessible route shall not be required between site arrival points and the building or facility entrance if the only means of access between them is a vehicular way not providing pedestrian access.

    3. General circulation paths shall be permitted when located in close proximity to an accessible route.

    11B- 206.2.2 Within a site. At least one accessible route shall connect accessible buildings, accessible facilities, accessible elements and accessible spaces that are on the same site.

    Exception: An accessible route shall not be required between accessible buildings, accessible facilities, accessible elements and accessible spaces if the only means of access between them is a vehicular way not providing pedestrian access.

    11B- 206.2.3 Multistory buildings and facilities. At least one accessible route shall connect each story and mezzanine in multistory buildings and facilities.

    Exceptions:

    1. The following types of privately funded multi-story buildings do not require a ramp or elevator above and below the first floor:

    1.1. Multistoried office buildings (other than the professional office of a health care provider) and passenger vehicle service stations less than three stories high or less than 3,000 square feet (279 m [2] ) per story. 1.2. Any other privately funded multistoried building that is not a shopping center, shopping mall or the profes- sional office of a health care provider or a terminal, depot or other station used for specified public transportation or an airport passenger terminal and that is less than three stories high or less than 3,000 square feet (279 m [2] ) per story if a reasonable portion of all facilities and accommodations normally sought and used by the public in such a building are accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities.

    2. Reserved.

    1. In detention and correctional facilities, an accessible route shall not be required to connect stories where cells with mobility features required to comply with Section 11B- 807.2, all common use areas serving cells with mobility features required to comply with Section 11B- 807.2, and all public use areas are on an accessible route.
  • CBC § 11B-411.4.7.1 High relevance — show source text

    11B-411.4.7.1 Type. Control button type shall comply with Section 11B-407.4.7.1.1.

    11B-411.4.7.2 Location. Raised characters or symbols and Braille designations shall comply with Section 11B-407.4.7.1.2.

    11B-411.4.7.3 Symbols. The control button for the emergency stop, alarm, door open, door close and phone shall be identified with raised symbols and Braille as shown in Table 11B-407.4.7.1.3.

    11B-411.4.7.4 Button spacing. Button spacing shall comply with Section 11B-407.4.7.1.5.

    11B-411.4.8 Car position indicators. Audible and visible car position indicators shall be provided in elevator cars.

    11B-411.4.8.1 Visible indicators. Visible indicators shall comply with Section 11B-411.4.8.1.

    11B-411.4.8.1.1 Size. Characters shall comply with Section 11B-407.4.8.1.1.

    11B-411.4.8.1.2 Location. Location of indicators shall comply with Section 11B-407.4.8.1.2.

    11B-411.4.8.2 Audible indicators. Audible indicators shall comply with Section 11B-411.4.8.2.

    11B-411.4.8.2.1 Signal type. The signal shall be an automatic verbal annunciator which announces the floor at which the car is about to stop.

    11B-411.4.8.2.2 Signal level. The verbal annunciator signal level shall comply with Section 11B-407.4.8.2.2.

    11B-411.4.8.2.3 Frequency. The verbal annunciator frequency shall comply with Section 11B-407.4.8.2.3.

    11B-411.4.9 Emergency communication. Emergency communication shall comply with Section 11B-407.4.9.

    11B-411.4.10 Support rail. Support rails complying with Section 11B-407.4.10 shall be provided on at least one wall of the car.

    11B-411.4.11 Floor destination indicators. There shall be on each elevator car door jamb a visual display indicating floor destinations.

    11B-411.4.11.1 Height. Floor destination characters shall be 1 inch (25 mm) high minimum complying with Section 11B-703.5.3.

    11B-411.4.11.2 Contrast. Visual display shall provide contrast with light characters on a dark background or dark characters on a light background. The background shall be solid and static.

    11B-411.4.11.3 Duration. Floor destination characters shall be displayed upon elevator car arrival at the input floor and shall not extinguish until the elevator car arrives at the destination floor.

    11B-72 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

  • CBC § 410.2 High relevance — show source text

    ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HOUSING

    11B- 410.2 Floor surfaces. Floor surfaces in platform lifts shall comply with Sections 11B- 302 and 11B- 303 .

    11B- 410.3 Clear floor space. Clear floor space in platform lifts shall comply with Section 11B- 305 .

    11B- 410.4 Platform to runway clearance. The clearance between the platform sill and the edge of any runway landing shall be 1 [1] / 4 inch (32 mm) maximum.

    11B- 410.5 Operable parts. Controls for platform lifts shall comply with Section 11B- 309 .

    11B- 410.6 Doors and gates. Platform lifts shall have low-energy power-operated doors or gates complying with Section 11B- 404.3. Doors shall remain open for 20 seconds minimum. End doors and gates shall provide a clear width 32 inches ( 813 mm) minimum. Side doors and gates shall provide a clear width 42 inches ( 1067 mm) minimum.

    Exception: Platform lifts serving two landings maximum and having doors or gates on opposite sides shall be permitted to have self-closing manual doors or gates.

    FIGURE 11B- 410.6—PLATFORM LIFT DOORS AND GATES

    11B-410.7 Landing size. The minimum size of landings at platform lifts shall be 60 inches by 60 inches (1524 mm by 1524 mm).

    11B-410.8 Restriction sign. A sign complying with Section 11B-703.5 shall be posted in a conspicuous place at each landing and within the platform enclosure stating “No Freight” and include the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.1.

    SECTION 11B-411 — DESTINATION-ORIENTED ELEVATORS

    11B-411.1 General. Destination-oriented elevators shall comply with Section 11B-411 and with ASME A17.1. They shall be passenger elevators as classified by ASME A17.1. Elevator operation shall be automatic.

    11B-411.1.1 Floor designations. In facilities served by destination-oriented elevator systems, floor designations shall be numeric char- acters only. Floor designations shall be “one” (1) or “zero” (0) at the main entry level and shall increase by one for each successive higher story or level. The initial floor below the main entry level shall be designated “minus one” (-1) and the designation for each successive lower story or level shall decrease by one. Stories or levels shall not be designated by alphabetic characters.

    Exceptions:

    1. In existing facilities where new elevators are installed or existing elevators are altered into a destination-oriented elevator system, levels within stories, such as mezzanines located above or below the main entry level shall be permit- ted to be designated with an alpha-numeric character such as “M2”, indicating “mezzanine” and the “story number”, respectively, in which it is located, provided there is no duplication with alpha-numeric designations of elevator cars in the facility.

  • CBC § 11B-411 High relevance — show source text

    SECTION 11B-411 — DESTINATION-ORIENTED ELEVATORS

    11B-411.1 General. Destination-oriented elevators shall comply with Section 11B-411 and with ASME A17.1. They shall be passenger elevators as classified by ASME A17.1. Elevator operation shall be automatic.

    11B-411.1.1 Floor designations. In facilities served by destination-oriented elevator systems, floor designations shall be numeric char- acters only. Floor designations shall be “one” (1) or “zero” (0) at the main entry level and shall increase by one for each successive higher story or level. The initial floor below the main entry level shall be designated “minus one” (-1) and the designation for each successive lower story or level shall decrease by one. Stories or levels shall not be designated by alphabetic characters.

    Exceptions:

    1. In existing facilities where new elevators are installed or existing elevators are altered into a destination-oriented elevator system, levels within stories, such as mezzanines located above or below the main entry level shall be permit- ted to be designated with an alpha-numeric character such as “M2”, indicating “mezzanine” and the “story number”, respectively, in which it is located, provided there is no duplication with alpha-numeric designations of elevator cars in the facility.

    2. Non-successive floor numbering shall be permitted where a specific floor number is omitted or where a floor is frequented only by service personnel for maintenance, repair or occasional monitoring of equipment.

    11B-411.1.2 Car designations. Elevator cars shall be designated with a single alphabetic character. For elevators programmed to the same hall call console or group of hall call consoles, each elevator car shall be designated with a different single alphabetic character.

    Exception: Elevator systems with more than 26 elevators shall be permitted to use alpha-numeric designations such as “A1”.

    11B-411.2 Elevator landing requirements. Elevator landings shall comply with Section 11B-411.2.

    11B-411.2.1 Hall call consoles. Hall call consoles shall comply with Sections 11B-411.2.1 and 11B-309.

    11B-411.2.1.1 Location. Hall call consoles shall be wall-mounted. On floors with a building entry, including parking and trans- fer levels, each hoistway entrance shall be adjacent to a hall call console. On other floors, a minimum of one hoistway entrance shall be adjacent to a hall call console.

    Exception: Hall call consoles beyond those required by Section 11B-411.2.1.1 shall be permitted to be provided outside the elevator landing and to be wall-mounted, pedestal-mounted or mounted on a kiosk or security turnstile.

    11B-68 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

    on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

    ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HOUSING

    11B-411.2.1.2 Required features. Hall call consoles shall include a touch screen or keypad with display screen, an accessibility function button and audio output loudspeaker.

  • CBC § 11B-411.2.1.5.2 High relevance — show source text

    11B-411.2.1.5.2 Color. Characters and symbols on buttons, where provided, shall be white on a black background.

    11B-411.2.1.6 Identification of floors served. In buildings with two or more elevator banks, each serving a different group of specific floors, hall call consoles located on floors with a building entry, including parking and transfer levels, shall be provided with signs complying with Sections 11B-703.2, 11B-703.3 and 11B-703.5 on the surface of or above the hall call console stating “FLOORS n1 – n2,” where n1 – n2 represents the range of floors served. Characters shall be white on a black background. When the accessi- bility function button is pressed, the audio output shall provide a verbal announcement of the floors served by the elevator group.

    11B-411.2.1.7 Elevator car assignment. When the accessibility function button is pressed, elevator car assignment shall comply with Section 11B-411.2.1.7.

    11B-411.2.1.7.1 Assignment by keypad hall call console. The audio output shall provide verbal instruction for the user to enter a destination floor. The selected destination floor shall be confirmed by verbal announcement and on the display screen. Verbal and visible indication of an invalid input shall be provided. The display screen shall indicate the elevator assignment characters and a verbal announcement shall be made of the assigned elevator responding to the call. Visual and verbal direction to the assigned elevator shall be provided.

    11B-411.2.1.7.2 Assignment by touch screen hall call console. The audio output shall provide verbal instruction for the user to press the accessibility function button as a response to verbal direction in order to select the destination floor. The selected destination floor shall be confirmed by verbal announcement and on the display screen. Verbal and visible indica- tion of an invalid input shall be provided. The display screen shall indicate the elevator assignment characters and a verbal announcement shall be made of the assigned elevator responding to the call. Visual and verbal direction to the assigned elevator shall be provided.

    Exception: In addition to assignment by Section 11B-411.2.1.7.2, a verbal announcement providing the user with an option to select an alternative mode of operation shall be permitted. Alternative operation shall be by one of the following options: 1. Virtual keypad. The size of the keypad shall be a nominal 4 inches (102 mm) wide by 5 inches (127 mm) high in a 12-key ascending telephone keypad layout centered in the console. Characters and symbols shall be centered on the corresponding button. Keypads shall have a star ( � ) on the lower left button and a minus sign (-) on the lower right button. Operation shall be by contact with the touch screen with a press on the key. The audio output shall provide user input confirmation after each key is pressed. Keys shall not be provided with a key repeat function. From any level above and below the main egress level, when the star button is pressed an elevator shall be dispatched to the main egress level. 2. Gesture-based mode of operation. Operation shall be by contact with the touch screen, without specific contact with an icon, and using established non-proprietary gestures for selection and input, including but not limited _to tapping, sliding and tap-hold contact-release to select.

  • CBC § 11B-411.2.1.2.2 High relevance — show source text

    11B-411.2.1.2.2 Touch screen. Touch screen display shall comply with Section 11B-411.2.1.2.4.

    11B-411.2.1.2.3 Accessibility function button. The accessibility function button shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility and a raised indication. The International Symbol of Accessibility shall comply with Section 11B- 703.7.2.1, and shall be [ 5] / 8 inch (15.9 mm) minimum in height. The indication shall be three raised dots. Each dot shall have a base diameter of 0.059 inch (1.5 mm) minimum and 0.063 inch (1.6 mm) maximum and a height of 0.025 inch (0.6 mm) mini- mum and 0.037 inch (0.9 mm) maximum. The dots shall be spaced [1] / 4 inch (6.4 mm), measured center to center, in the form of an equilateral triangle with a vertex pointing up. The accessibility function button shall not be provided with a key repeat function.

    FIGURE 11B-411.2.1.2.3—DESTINATION-ORIENTED ELEVATOR ACCESSIBILITY FUNCTION BUTTON INDICATION

    11B-411.2.1.2.4 Display screen. Upon activation of the accessibility function button, the display screen shall display infor- mation including but not limited to, operating instructions, user input confirmation, elevator assignment characters, direction to the assigned elevator and error messages. The display screen shall comply with Section 11B-411.2.1.2.4.

    11B-411.2.1.2.4.1 Contrast. Display screens shall provide contrast with light characters and symbols on a dark back- ground or dark characters and symbols on a light background. The background shall be solid and static.

    11B-411.2.1.2.4.2 Size. Elevator assignment characters shall be 1 inch high (25 mm) minimum.

    11B-411.2.1.2.4.3 Duration. Elevator assignment characters shall be displayed for a minimum of 5 seconds.

    11B-411.2.1.2.5 Audio output. Upon activation of the accessibility function button, the audio output shall provide verbal announcements, including but not limited to, operating instructions, user input confirmation, announcement of the eleva- tor assignment characters, direction to the assigned elevator and error messages. Audio output shall be recorded or digitized human speech, and shall be delivered through a loudspeaker. Auditory volume shall be at least 10 dB above ambi- ent sound level, but shall not exceed 80 dB, measured 36 inches (914 mm) in front of the console. At hall call console locations where the ambient sound level varies, auditory volume shall be maintained at the required volume by an auto- matic gain control or shall be set at not less than 75 dB.

    11B-411.2.1.3 Arrangement. Hall call console arrangement of required features shall comply with Section 11B-411.2.1.3.

Frequently asked questions

Do all elevators in a bank need the same upgrades when one is altered?

Yes. Where elements of existing elevators are altered, the same element must be altered in all elevators programmed to respond to the same hall call control (§ 11B‑206.6.1).

How long must a destination‑oriented console show the assigned car or assignment characters?

Elevator assignment characters shown on the display must be at least 1 inch high and displayed for a minimum of 5 seconds upon activation of the accessibility function (§ 11B‑411.2.1.2.4.2–.3).

If we keep some existing non‑accessible elevators, must we label the accessible one(s)?

Yes. Existing elevators that comply with § 11B‑407 must be clearly identified with the International Symbol of Accessibility, and remodeled buildings with new accessible elevators must post the location/directions to them in the lobby (§ 11B‑216.7).

What is the required audio level for hall console announcements?

Audio output must be at least 10 dB above ambient sound level but must not exceed 80 dB measured 36 inches in front of the console; where ambient varies, automatic gain control or a minimum setting of 75 dB is required (§ 11B‑411.2.1.2.5).

Are mezzanine levels allowed to be labeled with letters in destination systems?

In existing facilities converted to destination‑oriented systems, mezzanines may use alpha‑numeric labels (e.g., M2) provided they do not duplicate elevator car designations (§ 11B‑411.1.1 exception).

More in California Building Code

Ask about the CBC

Get cited, plain-English answers on the California Building Code for your project — any code section, any scenario.

Start Free Trial

Related in the CBC

How many accessible parking spaces are required and rules for EV charging?

Signage and symbols for identifying accessible entrances, toilets and elevators

Parking, Signage, Elevators & Notification Features

California Building Code